Hygienic seal for containers

ABSTRACT

Hygienic seal for a container ( 3 ), comprising an upper lid ( 1 ) and a lower ring ( 2 ) coupled to said upper lid ( 1 ) and being capable of being fitted around the body of the container ( 3 ), the upper lid having an extension ( 10 ) which projects outwards and is directed towards the lower ring ( 2 ) such that in a closed state of the container, the extension ( 10 ) of the upper lid ( 1 ) partially overlaps the lower ring ( 2 ). On an upper flange of the lower ring ( 2 ), positioning means ( 11, 20 ) are provided which comprise at least one depression ( 20 ) complementing a projection ( 11 ) which projects internally from the interior face of the extension ( 10 ). The interior face of the extension is directed towards the lower ring ( 2 ) and has tightening means ( 12; 120 ) which contact the lower ring ( 2 ) in a closed state of the container ( 3 ) when the projection ( 11 ) and the depression ( 20 ) are in contact with one another.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present patent application for an invention is the register of a hygienic seal for containers, incorporating notable innovations and advantages.

More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a hygienic seal for containers intended to store solid products such as dried fruits, fruits, appetizers, preserved products as well as liquid products such as soda, alcoholic beverages etc., which in a closed state guarantees air-tightness in the upper area of the container where the outlet for the solid or liquid product to be dispensed is located.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protector elements intended to be fitted on containers for dispensing a liquid substance such as a beverage are well known in the prior art, for example the type commonly known as tins, with the purpose of providing more hygienic conditions in the upper part of the container corresponding to the area where the user usually places the mouth when consuming the beverage directly from the container without the use of an additional receptacle.

A particular example of a protector system is a system formed by two pieces: an upper lid which lids the entire upper face of the container connected to a lower ring coupled around the container in proximity to the upper flange of said container as described in ES 1071137, the common characteristics of which form part of the preamble of claim 1.

Nevertheless, although this system described provides good hygienic protection against the soiling of the upper part of the container, it cannot guarantee complete hermeticity once the upper lid has been manipulated, that is to say, the user or consumer has manipulated the upper lid to consume or manipulate a drinkable fluid or food product arranged in the interior of the container, consequently there exists an undesirable risk of a leakage of liquid contained within the container when the opening has been manipulated (that is to say, the container is open).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed with the purpose of providing a hygienic seal for containers which is configured as a novelty within the field of application and resolves the drawbacks mentioned above, also providing other additional advantages which will be evident from the description which follows.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hygienic seal for containers, in particular envisaged for tin containers, comprising an upper lid and a lower ring coupled in an articulated manner to said upper lid and being able to be fitted around the body of the container, in which the upper lid has an extension which projects outwards and is directed towards the lower ring, such that in a closed state of the container, the cited extension of the upper lid partially overlaps the lower ring. In particular, the invention is characterized in that on the upper flange of the lower ring, positioning means are provided which comprise at least one depression complementing a projection which projects internally from the interior face of the extension, the upper face of the extension, directed towards the lower ring, having tightening means capable of being in contact in a pressured manner with the lower ring in a closed state of the container when the projection and the depression are in contact with one another. In this way, said tightening means facilitate the release of the projection or projections from the corresponding depression or depressions, therefore the user must apply a small amount of effort for the release and at the same time guarantee the engagement of the same (projection and depression).

Thanks to these characteristics, air-tightness with greater reliability between the lower ring and the upper lid is reliably obtained in a closed state or position, allowing the container to be opened and closed in a tightly sealed manner on more than one occasion.

This hygienic seal is ideal, not only for protecting containers containing beverages, but also for those containers containing preserved products which have a disposable aluminum sheet on the upper face of the container since they protect it from receiving possible, undesirable impacts and in a closed state keep the product within the container in spite of the disposable sheet being removed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the tightening means comprise a plurality of tabs separated from one another, each one of them formed from an elongated portion having a noticeably triangular shape arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depression and/or projection which form the positioning means.

Additionally, the hygienic seal may include a guarantee seal which allows the user to know whether the seal has been previously manipulated when the user acquires or buys a container provided with such a hygienic seal.

Preferably, the guarantee seal has a pair of projections arranged diametrically opposed to one another, projecting from the lower ring and a pair of grooved sections arranged diametrically opposed to one another for housing the respective projections, each housing having a lower breakable section of smaller width.

According to another aspect of the invention, the upper lid and the lower ring are made from a biodegradable, injection-moldable, plastic material.

In an advantageous manner, the interior face of the upper lid has an annular opening element which projects in a downwards direction and is separated from the flange of the upper lid, which in the closed state of the hygienic seal with respect to the container, is arranged in a manner adjacent to the riveted flange present in conventional tin containers. In this way, the formation of a condensation process is reduced or avoided and consequently, there is a reduction to the risk of the formation of an oxidation process in any area of the upper part of the container in which the outlet for the product contained therein is present.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a container for storing a drinkable, liquid product which includes a hygienic seal as previously described.

Other characteristics and advantages of a hygienic seal for containers of the present invention are evident from the description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment which is illustrated, in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, in the accompanying drawings, where:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: This is a perspective view of a hygienic seal according to the invention in an open state;

FIG. 2: This is a perspective view of the upper lid shown from the interior;

FIG. 3: This is another perspective view of the upper lid shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4: This is a detailed perspective view in which the tabs forming part of the tightening means may be seen;

FIG. 5: This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tightening means;

FIG. 6: These are detailed views of a sequence of the hygienic seal fitted on the container from a hermetic position to an open position;

FIG. 7: This is a perspective view of a container which includes a hygienic seal according to the invention;

FIG. 8: This is a perspective view of a container which includes another embodiment of the hygienic seal according to the invention which is differentiated from FIG. 7 in the dimensions of the frontal extension;

FIG. 9: This is a partial plan view of the upper lid and the lower ring prior to being fitted or coupled together in an articulated manner; and

FIG. 10: This is a detailed perspective view of the region of the hinge of the hygienic seal in an open state and actuating the blocking mechanism present in the hinge.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Considering the mentioned figures and in accordance with the numeration adopted, a preferred embodiment of the invention may be seen from these figures, which comprises the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as shown a hygienic seal for a container, in particular envisaged for containers which comprise a cylindrical lateral wall provided with a lower base and a circular upper section, essentially comprises a circular upper lid (1) and a lower ring (2) coupled in an articulated manner to said upper lid (1) by means of a hinge (4) and said lower ring (2) having a diameter suitable for being fitted around the body of the container (3).

The upper lid (1) has an extension (10) or arched tab which projects outwards and is directed towards the lower ring (2) such that in a closed state of the container (3), the cited extension (10) of the upper lid (1) partially overlaps the lower ring (2) in the coincident area with the region where the user places their lips to drink, in particular when this is a container for dispensing a beverage. In FIGS. 7 and 8, two embodiments of the hygienic seal may be seen which are essentially differentiated in the dimensions of the cited extension (10). It should also be mentioned that said extension (10) may facilitate the escape of liquid material when the hygienic seal is placed on a container for dispensing preserved products which usually include a fluid product in order to maintain the properties of the preserved food product.

The upper lid (1) and the lower ring (2) are made from a biodegradable, injection-moldable, plastic material which may be the same or different for both pieces. This plastic material may have a polyethylene or polypropylene base together with a series of additives which facilitate oxo-biodegradation and therefore, natural degradation of the hygienic seal.

Advantageously, on the upper flange of the lower ring (2), there are provided positioning means which comprise a pair of depressions (20) each of which have a notably rectangular form complementing a pair of projections (11) which project internally from the interior face of the extension (10), the interior face of said extension (10), directed towards the lower ring (2), having tightening means capable of being in contact with the lower ring (2) in a closed state of the container when the projections (11) and the depressions (20) are in contact with one another.

With particular reference to a particularly preferred embodiment, the tightening means mentioned above and according to the FIGS. 1 to 4 comprise, in one embodiment, a plurality of tabs (12) separated from one another and aligned, each one of them formed from a projecting and elongated portion with a notably triangular form arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depressions (20) which form part of the positioning means described above. In a closed position of the hygienic seal, the tabs are located below a riveted flange (31) present on the upper part of the container (3).

In an alternative embodiment, only one elongated tab (120) may be provided which is equal to the total longitude of the region which has the plurality of tabs (12), as can be seen in FIG. 5.

The upper lid (1) has a circumferential perimeter flange (13) and a central section (14) which projects upwards, such that it defines an intermediate, circumferential, sunken section (15) which is suitable for placing on top a container with similar characteristics to those shown, thus facilitating the stacking of containers for the marketing thereof.

In order to reduce the formation of condensation in the area of the opening of the container (3), that is to say, the upper face of the container, the interior face of the upper lid (1) may have a light weight, annular shutter element (16) which projects in a downwards direction and which is separated from the flange of the upper lid (1) as may be seen more clearly in FIG. 4.

Additionally and as may be seen in various figures, the present hygienic seal includes a guarantee seal which is formed by a pair of projections (5) arranged diametrically opposing one another, which project from extensions of the lower ring (2) and a pair of grooved sections (6) arranged diametrically opposed to one another for housing the respective projections (5), each housing having a lower, breakable section of smaller width. In this way, when the cited lower section is broken, the user may see that the container has already been previously manipulated.

It should be mentioned that it is possible for the hinge and more specifically, the hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2) to have a pair of through holes (17) separated from one another, as may be seen in FIG. 9, which are consequently suitable for the placement of a band or similar (not shown) which allows the container (3) provided with the hygienic seal described herein to be transported in a manner such that it is suspended from the exterior part of a backpack, etc.

In said FIG. 9, it may be clearly seen how the hinge (4) comprises a hinge portion connected to the upper lid (1) and a hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2) and include a blocking mechanism which allows the hinge portion connected to the upper lid (1) and the hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2) to be maintained in an open and fixed position such that it facilitates the use of the container, for example, when the user is drinking directly from the container.

Said blocking mechanism primarily comprises a blocking projection (18) which projects from a point on the circumferential rim of the upper lid capable of passing above, by means of a resilient deformation, a pair of blocking tabs (19) present on the hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2), also triggering a sound similar to a click such that the upper lid (1) stays completely open, for example, forming an angle greater than 180° with respect to the plane defined by the lower ring, as shown in FIG. 10.

The details, the forms, the dimensions and other accessory elements as well as the materials used in the manufacture of a hygienic seal for containers according to the invention may be expediently substituted for others which are technically equal and do not deviate from the essence of the invention nor from the scope defined by the claims included below. 

1. Hygienic seal for containers, in particular for containers comprising a lateral wall provided with a lower base and an upper section comprising an upper lid (1) and a lower ring (2) coupled in an articulated manner to said upper lid (1) and capable of being fitted around the body of the container, in which the upper lid has an extension which projects outwards and is directed towards the lower ring (2), such that in a closed state of the container, the cited extension of the upper lid (1) partially overlaps the lower ring (2), characterized in that on the upper flange of the lower ring (2) there are provided positioning means comprising at least one depression complementing a projection which projects internally from the interior face of the extension, the interior face of the extension, directed towards the lower ring (2), having tightening means capable of being in contact with the lower ring (2) in a closed state of the container when the projection and the depression are in contact with one another.
 2. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the tightening means comprise a plurality of tabs (12) separated from one another, each one of them formed from an elongated portion with a notable triangular form arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depression and/or projection which form the positioning means.
 3. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a guarantee seal.
 4. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 3, characterized in that the guarantee seal has a pair of projections arranged diametrically opposed to one another, projecting from the lower ring (2), and a pair of grooved sections arranged diametrically opposed to one another for housing the respective projections, each housing having a lower, breakable section of smaller width.
 5. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior face of the upper lid has an annular shutter element (16) which projects in a downwards direction and is separated from the flange of the upper lid (1).
 6. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper lid (1) and the lower ring (2) are made from a biodegradable, injection-moldable, plastic material.
 7. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the tightening means comprise an elongated tab (120) formed from an elongated portion with a notably triangular, traversal section arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depression and/or projection which form the positioning means.
 8. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper lid (1) and the lower ring (2) are coupled by means of a hinge (4).
 9. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 8, characterized in that the hinge (4) comprises a hinge portion connected to the upper lid (1) and a hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2) which includes at least one through hole.
 10. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 9, characterized in that a blocking mechanism is provided to maintain the hinge portion connected to the upper lid (1) and the hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2) in a fixed position.
 11. Hygienic seal for containers according to claim 10, characterized in that the blocking mechanism comprises a blocking projection (18) which projects from a point on the circumferential rim of the upper lid capable of passing over at least one blocking tab (19) present on the hinge portion connected to the lower ring (2).
 12. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 1. 13. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 2. 14. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 3. 15. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 4. 16. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 5. 17. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 6. 18. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 7. 19. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 8. 20. Container (3) for the storage of a drinkable, liquid product, characterized in that it includes a hygienic seal according to claim
 9. 